Finding a specific tribute in the jw woodward funeral home obituaries isn’t just about checking a date or a time. In Spartanburg, South Carolina, this institution is a landmark. Honestly, if you grew up in the Upstate, you probably know the white building on Howard Street. It’s been there since 1946, though the business itself dates back way further to 1916.
When you’re looking for a loved one's service details, you aren’t just looking at a digital record. You’re looking at a piece of a 110-year-old story. The J.W. Woodward Funeral Home remains the oldest African-American owned business in the city. That carries weight.
How to Find JW Woodward Funeral Home Obituaries Today
Most people head straight to the official website. It’s the most direct route. Once you’re on the homepage, there is a clear "Obituaries" section. Basically, you click that, and you'll see a list of recent services.
Wait. Sometimes the site can be a bit slow to update if a lot is happening. If you don't see what you need immediately, check their official Facebook page. They are surprisingly active there. They often post service announcements and live-stream links faster than the main site's database refreshes.
What You’ll See in a Modern Obituary
It’s not just text anymore. Usually, you’ll find:
- Full biographical sketches of the deceased.
- Direct links to video tributes or photo galleries.
- Information on the "Continuing Care" program.
- Live-stream buttons for those who can't make it to the chapel in person.
If you’re looking for someone who passed away a few years ago, you might need to dig. The current website typically holds the most recent year or two. For older records, third-party sites like Legacy or the Spartanburg Herald-Journal archives are your best bet.
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The History Behind the Names
You can't talk about jw woodward funeral home obituaries without talking about the Woodward family. John Woodward started this because, back in 1916, Jim Crow laws meant Black families couldn't use white funeral homes. He was a farmer who didn't even have a middle name—he reportedly added the "W" just to sound more professional, modeled after the J.F. Floyd mortuary.
It’s kinda fascinating. His son, John Stinson Woodward, eventually took over. He wasn't just a funeral director; he provided banking services, laundry, and loans to the Black community when white-owned banks wouldn't. When you read an obituary from this house, you’re reading a record from a place that literally built the community's safety net.
Today, Dr. Kay Woodward runs the show. She was a psychology professor at Converse College before taking over the family legacy in 1985. She’s often joined by her daughter, Stinson Woodward Ferguson, who is an attorney. It’s a multi-generational, female-led powerhouse now.
Why the Howard Street Location is Different
The building at 594 Howard Street wasn't always a funeral home. It actually served as a hospital for people of color in Spartanburg before the Woodwards moved in. There is a lot of "healing" energy in those walls, which sounds sort of cliché, but families in Spartanburg swear by the atmosphere there.
Accessing Services and Tributes
If you are planning to attend a service you found in the obituaries, here’s the practical stuff.
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- Parking: It can get tight. If it’s a large service, arrive at least 20 minutes early.
- Live Streams: This is a big one. Since 2020, they’ve leaned heavily into digital access. If the obituary mentions a "Video Tribute" or "Live Stream," the link is usually right at the top of the individual’s memorial page.
- Sending Flowers: They have a direct "Send Flowers" button on most listings that connects to local Spartanburg florists. It saves you the hassle of finding an address.
Practical Steps for Families
If you’re the one tasked with writing an obituary or organizing a service at J.W. Woodward, don't stress about the "perfect" wording. The staff there—specifically the long-tenured folks like Reverend William E. Smith—have been doing this for decades.
First, gather the vitals. You’ll need the full legal name, date of birth, and a high-resolution photo.
Next, think about the "Continuing Care." The Woodwards offer a specific program for grief support that lasts long after the funeral is over. It’s one of those things people overlook when they’re just scanning the obituaries for a service time, but it’s arguably the most important service they provide.
Check for Veterans benefits. If your loved one served, the obituary should reflect that. The home is known for being very meticulous with military honors and ensuring the VA paperwork is handled correctly.
Contacting the Home
If you can’t find the obituary you’re looking for online, just call them.
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- Phone: 864-582-6751
- Address: 594 Howard Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303
They are incredibly responsive. Honestly, it’s better to call than to guess if a service time has changed due to weather or other issues.
Final Thoughts on the Woodward Legacy
Reading the jw woodward funeral home obituaries is basically reading a weekly history of Spartanburg. You’ll see names of teachers, civil rights leaders, and the "quiet" pillars of the community.
While the website and the digital archives are modern tools, the spirit of the place is still very much rooted in that 1916 mission: dignity for everyone, regardless of the era. Whether you’re looking for a friend’s service or researching family genealogy, this is the primary source for a huge part of the Upstate's history.
Next Steps:
If you need to find a current service, go to the Official J.W. Woodward Website and click the "Obituaries" tab. If the name isn't there, check their Facebook page for real-time updates on recently scheduled services.